Moving is one of those things where what you know really does make a difference. There are literally hundreds of tips and moving hacks out there that can make a massive difference in how smoothly things go. Our Moving Binder will keep you organized and help you get out the door.
Print out this handy guide when staging and decluttering your home. Frugally prepare your home for potential buyers to hopefully help you sell faster and sell higher. (Hint: look for a hidden coupon code when you get both the moving binder and the home staging checklist.
50 Moving Tips and Hacks
As someone who has moved four times in five years, I have tried it all! Here are fifty of the latest and greatest moving hacks to make your transition an easy one.
1,. Make sure you write the room AND the contents on the exterior of the box.
2. Assign one or two people in the know to give out directions. These are the folks that are directing traffic and making sure boxes go where they are intended.
3. Invest in a secure lock box that you can place all valuables like jewelry and heirlooms. Keep this with you or put away during the move.
4. Make a bag or box of must have items for moving day that is easily identifiable. A clear plastic box works great. This can contain all those things you must have on a regular basis and can’t afford to lose. This is your “Essentials Box!”
5. Use clothing to wrap up and pad your breakables. It cuts down on packing space.
Color Code Your Boxes – Examples Hip2Save and Living Well Mom
6. When you pack your boxes, use different colors of duct tape to help identify where it goes. (red tape for the master bedroom,black for the bathroom, etc)
7. Clean and scrub the new residence before you ever begin your move. The last thing you will feel like doing after moving is scrubbing the toilet.
8. Invest in renting a moving van or truck. Though you save a few bucks using your buddies, you don’t want to be the one to cause damage. Just pay the cash and move it all in one shot.
9. Shoot pictures of your electronics with a digital camera to be sure you hook them up quickly at the new residence.
10. Be packed and ready on moving day. Don’t leave things for the last minute when people show up.
Use Styrofoam Plates Between Breakable Plates and Saran Wrap Utensilis in Trays – Examples from The Frugal Girls and Valerie Write Now
11. Packing your kitchen utensils can be a breeze by using saran wrap to cover them as is. Simply leave them in the tray and wrap them up.
12. Put plates vertical in boxes to help keep them safe. Plenty of padding is needed either way but they are much less likely to break. Another great idea is using Styrofoam in between horizontal plates to prevent breakage.
13. Enlist grandparents or someone trustworthy to take the pets and kids for moving day. These things do not mix well with moving at all.
14. Contact charities in your area well before moving day and have them pick up all donations. It will take that off your plate.
15. Have food and drink prepared for the movers if they are friends and family. People that are well fed and hydrated are much more likely to want to help.
Organize Electric Cords with Toilet Paper Tubes – Example from Instructables
16. Tie all cords that go to one electronic device together so that it can be easily found later. Ziploc bag them together or use toilet paper tubes to separate them in a box. Be sure to clearly label them as well.
17. Group hanging clothes in sets of three or four and cover them by putting a trash bag over them. Simply poke the hanger top through the center of the closed end and you have a garment bag on the cheap.
18. Leverage Ebay and Craigslist and every other selling possibility as far in advance as possible of the move. Downsizing is your friend.
19. Make a toolbox (you should probably already have one) that is loaded with all the things you need to break things down and build things. This should be in your car at all times for quick retrieval.
20. Use Styrofoam plates in between your good plates to pad them neatly and easily.
Fill Nail Holes with Bar Soap – Example from Joyfully Home (no longer available)
21. Use white soap to fill in all the little holes from pictures and so on.
22. Stock up at the ABC store on boxes. The beer and liquor boxes you use will be the best boxes you can find for breakables and knick knacks. Leave the inserts in for the tiny stuff. Also check out these ideas for FREE Boxes.
23. Invest in the moving tools. Get a dolly, hand trucks and anything else you can get your hands on. It is worth the investment.
24. Ball up your socks and use them as padding in the gaps of boxes. This can really help to prevent items from bouncing around inside of the boxes during the move.
25. Begin packing in the kitchen. This is where the really complicated items are and the ones you should knock out first. (Just try packing a mixer)
Screw Bolts in the Same Bag – Example from from A Mommy’s Life with a Touch of Yellow (no longer available)
26. Put screws and other small parts that go to something broken down into sandwich bags that are sealable for the trip.
27. Use your moving and packing as a chance to purge everything that is no longer fitting or used. Toss it or donate it.
28. Stop grocery shopping a couple weeks out and work to clean out the fridge and cabinets. Starting fresh makes good sense in a new home.
29. Take a box and pack up all of your warranties and paperwork related to items.
30. Take digital photos of all serial numbers and so on for important items that are insured. The last thing you want is to be caught without such information and needing it.
Garbage Bag Clothes Together – Example from Instagram Manda Gee
31. Instead of boxes, use garbage bags for all your clothing. It is easier to carry and identify what is inside. I suggest you color code to identify rooms.
32. Defrost your refrigerator well in advance of moving day.
33. Have each family member pack for a two week vacation. This will ensure they have what they need to make it while the unpacking process begins.
34. Level one, two or three? Mark your boxes based on how quickly you anticipate needing the items within.
35. Keep in mind that boxes should never exceed forty pounds unless absolutely necessary. This can speed up the moving process considerably and keep from killing your help too.
Stay on Schedule and Organized – Download and print our Moving Organizational Binder. Twenty-Six pages to get you organized.
36. Write a schedule well in advance of the move that lays out when and how you will pack each room. This will keep you on point and ensure you are not hit with a ton of moving work the day of.
37. Order or make some stickers that have your new address on them and keep them in your wallet or purse. They will be life savers when you have to begin changing your address with businesses and mail.
38. When you arrive in your new home, fully set up a room that you particularly enjoy so you have someplace to relax. Most people like it to be the bedroom so that they are sure of a good night’s sleep.
39. Add handles to as many boxes as possible by poking or cutting them. Be sure the boxes are strong enough cardboard to do so.
40. Use pillows and stuffed animals to pad things and keep them safe from breaking.
Tape Mirrors to Prevent Breaks – Example from Martha Stewart (no longer available)
41. Tape mirrors and other breakables with tape to absorb the shock.
42. Use strong tape to make sure hinged doors and drawers don’t slide out during the move. Some folks take out the drawers and so on as well.
43. Use plastic wrap to close up lightweight drawers and the like.
44. Make a toolbox for nothing but packing materials. This will be very useful when you need to find something quickly. Staying organized makes a big difference.
45. The box within a box method is a good idea for things that are especially breakable. Double box when you are unsure about safety.
Upcycle Toilet Paper Rolls and Egg Cartons for Jewelry – Examples from Authentic Simplicity (no longer available) and Instructables
46. Use empty toilet paper rolls to carry your costume jewelry like bracelets, chains and necklaces. they can be connected around the tubes and kept neat fairly easily. Egg cartons work great too!
47. Save the drawers for lightweight stuff like socks, scarves and things of that nature.
48. Take regular breaks as you move. The last thing you want to do is wear them out and then find yourself alone on moving day.
49. Invest in helpers if you see you are not going to have enough help. The money will be well spent and you will not be nearly as stressed.
50. Celebrate your first day in your home by having a luxurious dinner out! You worked hard so let someone else take care of you for an hour or two!
Before you sell, look at these Home Staging Tips and Ideas including our Home Staging Checklist. Pin to Pinterest.
Print these free Moving Printable – We’ve Moved. Pin to Pinterest.
And after you move, take a look at these Front Porch Ideas to inspire your welcome! Pin to Pinterest.
WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.
